A couple who have helped thousands prepare to travel the world are now heading off on their own adventure.

Nancy and John Coppock, owners of Itchy Feet, are saying bon voyage to Bath and closing shop so they can go travelling.

The pair settled in the city fifteen years and opened their shop on Bartlett Street selling travelling essentials and offering invaluable advice.

Mrs Coppock, 48, said running the shop had been fun but hard work and deciding to close had not been easy.

“It’s been a very, very difficult decision. It’s been really hard because we have lots of loyal customers and fantastic staff.

“Retail is difficult and we want to retire while we are still young enough and have lots of energy to go travelling and enjoy things.”

The closure will mean the loss of ten full and part time jobs in the city.

Exploring the globe is a return to a previous life for the pair who met in Africa when Mr Mr Coppock, 53, was working as an overland driver. He had previously worked for Trailfinders. The couple married in Kenya before returning to the UK.

When Itchy Feet opened in 1998 it was unique in the equipment and advice it offered customers but Bath is now home to several well-known outdoor and travel shops such as Oswald Bailey, Blacks, Cotswold Outdoor and Millets.

However, Mrs Coppock said the competition had been healthy and had not negatively affected business.

“This is a really good business and doing well. We just think it’s time to do something else.”

Itchy Feet is likely to remain open until the end March whilst it sells off the remainder of its stock. This week it launched a closing down sale with 20 per cent off everything.